APC welcomes 12 more innovators to Technology Developer Accelerator Programme
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has welcomed 12 more innovative organisations into its Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP).
The APC and its Delivery Partners (DPs) of auto industry experts will help accelerate the candidates’ technology and commercial integrity through the programme. The target is a well-defined business plan, as well as a technology feasibility assessment, providing propositions for the best routes to market in automotive terms.
APC created TDAP with the primary aim of supporting disruptive technological ideas and innovations that have the potential to create opportunities for the UK automotive sector. As well as receiving a grant of circa £100k, technology developers – all SMEs – are guided by the APC and its DPs with a wealth of knowledge to support transforming their innovations into credible propositions. Tackling areas such as business development, routes to market, supply chain and approaching automotive-based customers. The programme offers a window into the automotive industry that could not be delivered through just funding.
Les Gill, Head of SME Programmes at the Advanced Propulsion Centre said:
TDAP is a unique opportunity for emerging technologies in the low carbon propulsion sector to accelerate the development of their technology, while also maximising commercial potential. With our mentoring, the TDs are able to accelerate their development cycles and increase their visibility to key players in the automotive supply chain.
The latest companies to enter the programme are:
Algret Innovations (LTD): Conductive transfer of electricity to propel and charge vehicles on the road.
Alsitek: “NOXTEK”, a specialist material that absorbs nitrogen oxide.
Catagen: Method and equipment for optimising exhaust after-treatment systems.
Composite Braiding: Thermoplastic braided composite components.
Dash-CAE: 3D-printed tooling and components from composites to produce lightweight components quicker and at lower cost.
Enso Tyres: Sustainable tyres for electric vehicles.
Great British Sports Cars: Composite processing technology for body components.
Infigear: A lightweight and more efficient link power transmission chain.
Sensor Coating Systems Ltd: Thermal mapping technology that allows the user to verify
component temperatures and optimise component and systems engineering.
SHAPE Machining Ltd: Lightweight thermoplastic body panels manufactured from ShapeTex technology, utilising pure and recycled carbon PPS waste.
Uquant: A software toolbox that enables engineers to quickly optimise component and system design.
Vulcanaer: A hybrid regenerative system that allows compressed air to be used in ancillary systems.
TDAP was first piloted in 2015, and fully launched in 2016, as Wave 1.
With Wave 1 still in play, Wave 2 has now begun, bringing the total number of companies entered into the programme up to 34.
Companies involved in the pilot included AIE, whose technology is a self-pressuring air rotor cooling system and compound rotary engine for electric vehicle. Also Sunamp, which has developed a heat battery to rapidly warm up an engine and alleviate range reduction caused by heating in an electric vehicle.
In addition there are some really exciting companies developing their technology in Wave 1, which concludes in July 2018.